This is the moment a quick-thinking stranger saves a man from choking on a piece of popcorn at the movies by using the Heimlich manoeuvre.

The nighttime movie screening took an unexpected turn when a viewer began to choke on the snack while laughing too hard in Jinan city, in Shandong, China, on July 20.

As the situation escalated, a stranger in the audience noticed the man's distress and instinctively responded.

Guided by his wife, who told him to go perform the Heimlich manoeuvre on the man, he quickly moved to the front of the theatre.

Despite having never performed the Heimlich before, with no one else volunteering to save the man, he attempted the technique based on what he had seen on social media.

In the audience, other moviegoers began to rally around the scene.

Several individuals rose from their seats, some using their mobile phone torches to illuminate the area, while others moved closer to offer assistance.

The atmosphere shifted from one of entertainment to urgency but after several thursts, the choking man spat out the food that was stuck in his throat.

Thanks to the quick response of the stranger and the support from those nearby, the situation resolved within just minutes and everyone was able to continue enjoying the film.

Local media have so far not released either man's identities.